Rangers suffered one of the most devastating defeats in their history last night, crashing out of the Champions League with a 9-1 aggregate loss to Club Brugge.
The Belgian side demolished the Scottish giants 6-0 in the second leg, matching the third-largest margin in the competition's history.
The catastrophe unfolded rapidly at the Jan Breydelstadion, with Rangers conceding an early goal before Max Aarons received a red card just eight minutes into the match.
By half-time, the visitors were already trailing 5-0 in what became a night of complete humiliation.
Rangers stand by Russell Martin, the manager insisted after a 9-1 aggregate thrashing in the Champions League
|REUTERS
The result means Rangers drop into the Europa League, having failed to reach the Champions League group stage.
The defeat extends Russell Martin's troubled start as manager to just three victories from his first ten matches - the poorest record of any boss in the club's history.
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Martin offered a stark apology to the travelling supporters who witnessed the demolition, acknowledging the pain inflicted on those who had made the journey to Belgium.
"I have nothing to say but really apologise to the fans that travelled and the fans back home," he told TNT Sports after the match.
The Rangers boss described the defeat as "humiliating" and "really painful," admitting it was "probably the toughest night I've had as head coach and manager."
He acknowledged supporters' fury, stating: "I understand the fans' frustration. I understand the disappointment. I understand their anger because they love this club."
Angry chants demanding Martin's dismissal echoed from the away section as the final whistle confirmed Rangers' historic European embarrassment.
Despite the catastrophic result and supporter unrest, Martin maintains he has the full backing of Rangers' hierarchy.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he revealed: "Patrick [Stewart] and Kevin [Thelwell], I've had a chat with them already, they're amazingly supportive.
"They knew this would take time, they understand the club's position."
When directly questioned about job security fears, Martin responded with a firm "No," insisting the club's leadership remained committed to his project.
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Club Brugge put Rangers to the sword in the Champions League
|REUTERS
His confidence comes despite presiding over the worst opening record of any Rangers manager, with just three wins from ten matches since taking charge.
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd offered a damning assessment of Martin's prospects, suggesting the manager is "heading in that direction" of dismissal.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Boyd acknowledged that while losing to Club Brugge carries no inherent shame, the manner of defeat was unacceptable.
"There will be a lot of Rangers fans wanting Russell Martin removed," Boyd stated, highlighting the lack of visible progress during Martin's tenure. "You have to see signs of improvement and that's not been the case."
Boyd expressed doubt about Martin's survival chances, declaring: "I will struggle to see a way back for Russell Martin after this."
Rangers fans are furious and are desperate to see Russell Martin leave the club
|REUTERS
He characterised the performance as resembling "a group that has absolutely chucked it," warning that such displays typically trigger managerial changes.
The Old Firm clash on Sunday now carries enormous significance, with Rangers facing the prospect of falling ten points behind their Glasgow rivals if they suffer defeat at Ibrox.
Celtic currently hold a seven-point advantage at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
Martin acknowledged the derby's importance but rejected suggestions he needs victory to save his position.
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Russell Martin reflects on Rangers' 9-1 aggregate defeat against Club Brugge 🗣
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"Not to secure my job, I think we need to win to make ourselves feel better," he explained, emphasising the match represents an opportunity for redemption.
Boyd painted a bleak picture of Rangers' domestic prospects, suggesting they might need other clubs like Hibernian, Hearts or Aberdeen to prevent Celtic completing another treble. "Rangers ain't going to do anything the way things are now," the former striker warned.